Different Types of Materials Used for Banner Printing

Banners are simple, yet effective marketing tools to spread the message about your business. It’s a good example of a large form of advertisement, and represents your brand in an eye-catching way. The type of material chosen for the banner has an impact on the appearance which is important to attract the target audience. It must be durable and functional to be worth your investment .

Generally, there are five types of materials used for banner printing, each having its own characteristics. Here’s a guide on the different materials to help you analyze each option and decide on the most suitable one for your business.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most popular type of material for banners. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s a cost-effective option compared to others. The banner, which can measure from 16 feet by 50 feet without seams, is digitally printed on a 13 oz scrim, vinyl sheet. This banner material is waterproof, fade resistant, long lasting and offers sharp letters with bright colours. It’s also easy to install using hems and grommets. Vinyl is a tough material that can withstand all weather conditions, yet lightweight enough to carry around easily. You can print both full colour and text only banners using this material, however, the only problem is that it can wrinkle over time if kept in storage for a while.

No Curl Vinyl

No curl vinyl is a 14 oz vinyl sheet generally used for high-end displays and banners. Ideal for indoor purposes, this material is an upgrade from the standard 13 oz vinyl and is digitally printed in full colour. To install a no curl banner, use grommets and avoid hems.

Mesh

Mesh banners are printed using 10 oz vinyl sheets. It has crisscross fibres that makes it wind-resistant, and allow strong winds to pass through the fabric without damaging the banner’s appearance and material. Unlike the wind slits that negatively affect the visual appeal of standard vinyl banners, you can place your banner in a windy location using the lightweight mesh vinyl sheets. In addition, the mesh has a longer lifespan, but it’s an expensive option and the graphics are not as clear as other counterparts.

Polyester Fabric

Polyester fabric is a great choice for making banners for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Unlike other materials that are printed digitally, this material is created using a direct dye sublimation printing process. The ink goes through the fabric instead of staying on the surface. Polyester fabrics give a high-quality look and feel to the banner, along with dynamic and bright prints. The best part about this material is that it’s scratch-resistant and can withstand mild weather conditions. Also, there are two fabric options that are available for printing a banner. Soft fabric is the most commonly used type, whereas satin is used to give a glossier finish.

Canvas

If you’re printing a banner for indoor use only, then canvas is the perfect material choice. The texture of a canvas banner is similar to a painted canvas, and it’s usually used for high-end displays and backdrops. A canvas banner can be printed as large as 4.5 feet by 10 feet, and can be installed using sewn hems, grommets and pole pockets. The semi-gloss finish of this heavy material gives a professional and hand-painted look to the banner. Consider printing your banner on a canvas if you want to create a high-resolution piece with a visual appeal.

The above-mentioned materials have distinct characteristics and offer a certain set of benefits when creating a banner. Your choice of material will determine how the printed banner will look. A wrong choice can reduce the effectiveness of this marketing tool. Make sure that you consider the design of the banner, where you’ll use it, the target audience and the weather conditions of the banner’s location before selecting the material. If you want to learn more about banner printing solutions, contact Micro Printing.